Raid Ukatak
Into the Big Freeze
Amlie Plante / 20.01.2003
This year’s Raid Ukatak looks like being the coldest so far. As teams set off they were bundled from head to toe in high-tech cold weather gear to battle the -14C degree temperatures (closer to -30C with wind chill effects). The cold temperatures, estimated by local officials to be the lowest on record for January in at least eight years, will definitely present the greatest challenge. The start was at 11.00am in the morning, the warmest part of the day and those temperatures will have dropped considerably overnight – when teams had a compulsory 4 hour overnight camp! (For comparison I was at the first event in 2001 and daytime air temperatures were around –5C and dropped to –35C at night. – Ed)
Some of the racers appeared more confident than others before setting out. Dominic Richard of Team no. 18, ‘Laventurier’, said he thinks they have a local advantage. “We know what the weather is like in Quebec and know we can handle it� Richard noted. “If we can finish, and there’s no reason to think we can’t, it would be great. But, he added, watching his team mates stamping in the cold and attempting to stay warm in the pre-race line-up, we’re also not out to kill ourselves!�
In matching jackets and with only their eyes showing, Team no. 2, Ad Opt Technologies/Le Yeti/Novadry from Canada and France, seemed confident as they checked how their bike gear functioned in the cold conditions. This team has more experience of the race than almost any other taking part and it sounds like they are going to make good use of it. “We’re actually an even stronger team this year�, said Stephane Durocher, “but the weather is worse. Temperature like this can cause surprises, like frostbite and energy loss. Basically, we have to be really careful.�
Everyone is going to have to be careful, and teams will have to look after each other – much more so than in some other races. Frostbite will be a real danger and they will often be far from help. No one expects Ukatak to be easy, but this year the weather may make it even harder than expected.See All Event Posts
